The Truth Behind Common Home Maintenance Myths

The twice-a-year guideline is a rough minimum that applies to thick, high-capacity filters in low-demand homes. Standard 1-inch filters in homes with pets, allergies, or high dust levels can clog within 30 days. A clogged filter forces your HVAC system to work harder, raises energy costs, and shortens equipment life. Check your filter monthly and replace it when it looks gray and dense — don't rely on the calendar alone. See also: why your HVAC filter schedule matters more than you think.

Asbestos was commonly used in textured ceiling products before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission effectively banned its use in ceiling materials in 1977. If your home was built or renovated before that period, testing by a certified inspector is the appropriate first step — not immediate removal. Asbestos-containing materials that are intact and undisturbed generally do not release harmful fibers. Disturbing or sanding them without professional containment is what creates risk. If you're unsure of your ceiling's age or composition, have a licensed professional test it before doing any work.

Caulk around windows, doors, and tubs can crack, shrink, or pull away from surfaces within a few years — especially in climates with wide temperature swings. Weatherstripping on exterior doors compresses and wears through with regular use. Once seals fail, drafts, water intrusion, and energy loss follow. A simple visual inspection each spring and fall — part of a good seasonal routine — can catch failing seals before they cause bigger problems. Spring is an ideal time to check these seals after winter stress.

Fibrous foods like celery and artichoke leaves can tangle around disposal blades. Starchy items such as potato peels and pasta expand in water and can form a paste that coats drain pipes. Fats, oils, and grease congeal as they cool and build up on pipe walls regardless of how much water you run. Running cold water during and after disposal use is good practice, but the more important habit is keeping problem foods out entirely. When in doubt, compost or trash it rather than risk a blocked drain.

Fall debris is the obvious culprit, but spring brings its own load of pollen, seeds, and shingle grit washed down by rain. Gutters clogged in spring can overflow during heavy spring storms, directing water against your foundation or behind fascia boards. Homes with overhanging pine trees may need quarterly cleaning. Whether you tackle gutter cleaning yourself or hire a professional depends on your roof height, physical ability, and comfort with ladder work — but the task itself should not be skipped.